Pingris promises different Hotshots in Game 5

Marc Pingris. PBA IMAGES

Star forward Marc Pingris vowed a different Hotshots team will show up in Game 5 of their semifinals series against the Barangay Ginebra Kings on Friday.

Star hasn’t been the same team that won Games 1 and 2 after suffering back-to-back losses in the semis, but Pingris, who has been the team’s heart and soul for a long time now, plans to bring back the old Hotshots.

“Next game, promise, they will see a different Star Hotshots,” he told reporters in Filipino after losing to Ginebra, 93-86, on Wednesday night. “I wish we’ll be able to focus and avoid committing fouls. We just have to focus on the game and focus on coach’s game plan.”

“He told us inside the dugout that we’re not expected to make the semis. I know it’s not easy but we need to let go to be able to focus in practice and in our next game,” he added.

Pingris has taken his game to another level in the playoffs especially in the semis. He had 12 points and 18 rebounds in Game 3 on Monday before putting up a near double-double in Game 4 with nine points and 13 rebounds.

Pingris is confident Star will be able to bounce back.

“Our desire to win is there. But Ginebra was just too good tonight. It was their night,” he said.

“We just need to adjust and look at our mistakes.”